Making the Team

Erik Soderborg
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  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team. We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Coach Jeff Gardner - Skyridge High School

    Jeff Gardner is the head coach of the Skyridge Falcons in Lehi, Utah. He won 2 state championships as a player and has been to the state championship game multiple times as a coach. His teams are known for their aggressive, fast-paced play and disciplined approach. He shares his thoughts on building teams, preparing the youth, and fun coaching stories including the real story behind the 2013 Brighton vs Lone Peak "stall" game. Coach Gardner is extremely well-respected in the basketball community, and we are fortunate to visit with him. 🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history. Be sure to check follow the Skyridge Falcons Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/skyridgebball/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:30 Coach's Love for Basketball 2:32 Balance of Structure and Freedom 5:03 Coaching Unselfishness 6:36 Getting Players to Play Hard 8:40 Structuring Practice 10:46 Scouting Opponents 15:46 What it Takes to Win 18:04 2013 Brighton vs Lone Peak Stall Game 24:26 Coachisms 26:42 Bringing up the Youth 29:14 Preparing for Skyridge Tryouts 30:41 Multi-Sport Athletes 32:48 Conditioning Players 35:04 Advice for Parents 40:15 Father/Son - Coach/Player Relationship 43:33 Game Day Traditions 44:28 Questions from the Internet 44:38 Fastest Technical 45:00 Advice to Coaches 48:23 Biggest Trash Talker 48:36 1v1 Tournament 49:26 Technicals in Career 50:10 Relationship with Officials 51:13 Best Players he's Coached 53:01 Coach's GOAT 53:19 Back In Time Approach to High School Basketball #basketball #jeffgardner #skyridge

    56 min

  2. 06/12/2025

    Coach Andrew May is Building a National JUCO Powerhouse & His Advice for High School Players

    What does it take to make a Junior College basketball team? In this episode of Making the Team, I sit down with Coach Andrew May, head coach of the powerhouse Snow College Men’s Basketball program. After finishing last season as the #1 ranked JUCO team in the nation and currently sitting at #4, Coach May shares exactly what it takes to succeed at the JUCO level — on and off the court. 🏀 Topics we cover include: How to stand out and make a JUCO roster The differences between JUCO and 4-year programs The raw reality of junior college basketball Building a winning culture at Snow College Advice for high school players, parents, and coaches Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent, or a coach, this conversation offers a rare look into the mindset, structure, and recruiting expectations at the JUCO level — from one of the best in the country. Be sure to check follow the Snow College Basketball Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/snowcollegemensbasketball/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team ⏰ TIME CODES ⏰ 0:00 Intro 0:38 Reality of JUCO Ball 5:17 Importance of Academics 7:31 Winning and Recruiting 11:40 Player Development 14:50 Structuring Effective Practices 20:02 Recruiting: Players Who Stand Out 28:47 Physical Conditioning Expectations 30:44 Recruiting: Snow's Appeal to Players 36:00 Recruiting Process 40:10 Persuasion vs Manipulation 42:08 Player Roles 45:00 Parent Roles in College 46:21 A Player's Daily Schedule 50:41 Game Day & Travel 53:52 Crazy Manager Stories 56:40 Jimmermania 59:22 Living up to Expectations 1:03:28 After a Win/After a Loss 1:06:35 Process over Outcome 1:08:04 Best Part of Coaching 1:09:33 Hardest Part of Coaching 1:13:50 A Coach's Control Mid Game 1:16:30 Passions Outside Basketball 1:17:51 Instagram Question 1:21:14 Gift of Communication 1:22:36 Electrifying Moments 1:26:31 GOAT & Mt. Rushmore 1:26:51 Advice for High School Senior

    1h 29m

  3. 05/12/2025

    The Realities of Coaching a 1A School – Coach Connor Patten - Tintic High School

    In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Connor Patten, head basketball coach at Tintic High School, a small-town program in Eureka, Utah. Tintic is a 1A school - the smallest classification of high schools in the state. Coach Patten opens up about what it’s really like to lead a basketball team in a community where every player matters, every season is personal, and resources are limited — but passion runs deep. 🎙 Topics include: Coaching challenges at a small high school How to build a strong team culture with a small roster Balancing mentorship, leadership, and development The emotional highs and lows of rural coaching Why small schools still matter in the world of high school sports If you’re a coach, player, or sports fan who believes in the power of heart over hype, this conversation will inspire and motivate you. 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews from Making the Team – where we highlight athletes and coaches shaping the game from the ground up. Be sure to follow Coach Patten's journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/coach.patten/ Follow Tintic basketball here: https://www.instagram.com/thsbbasketball/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team ⏰ TIME CODES ⏰ 0:00 Intro Teaser 0:20 1A Realities 2:38 What Tryouts Are Like 3:59 Player Development 5:47 Youth Development Pre High School 8:30 Hopes and Dreams of 1A Players 11:01 Picking a Staff 14:15 Travel & Rivalries in 1A 16:43 Swag and Fundraising 18:43 Rural Economic Drivers 22:44 Building a Culture of Winning Now 26:25 Scouting Other Teams 30:23 Connor's Coaching Journey 37:18 Coaches and their Spouses 38:43 This Upcoming Year 43:20 Coaching Hard is Caring 45:33 Entertainment in a Small Town 48:36 School Boundaries 49:35 Multi-Sport Athletes 52:12 Connor Outside Basketball 53:08 Message For Players and Parents 58:08 No Quit Mentality #basketball #podcast #basketballpodcast #makingtheteam #smalltownsports

    1h 3m

  4. 11/11/2025

    From Local Legend to Pro – Parker Van Dyke’s Full Basketball Journey

    In this episode of Making the Team, Erik Soderborg sits down with Parker Van Dyke, former University of Utah basketball standout and current professional player, to break down his incredible journey through the game. From AAU tournaments and Utah high school hoops, to playing for the Utah Utes in the Pac-12, and now taking his game to the professional level, Parker shares the highlights, the grind, and the moments that made it all worth it. 🎯 Topics covered: Growing up in the Utah basketball scene Dominating High School Basketball Playing for the U of U and hitting clutch shots The transition to professional basketball Lessons learned from AAU to college to the pros Advice for young players trying to make the team If you’re a basketball fan, athlete, or someone chasing your dream — this episode is full of real talk, insights, and inspiration. 📌 Subscribe to Making the Team for more interviews with top athletes and coaches. Be sure to check follow Parker's journey on his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/parkervandyke/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team ⏰ TIME CODES ⏰ 0:00 Intro Teaser 0:37 First Meeting Parker Story 1:45 The Importance of Intense Practice 3:44 When Basketball Became Life 6:07 Multi-Sport Athletes 8:12 Getting Over Perfectionism 11:02 AAU Successes 17:27 Parker's Shot Form 20:45 High School Moments 26:42 Daily Routine in High School 29:07 Effective Training 32:46 College Recruiting Experience 35:31 Advice to College Recruits 37:01 Why The University of Utah 39:58 High School Regrets 41:51 2 Years Off Basketball - Mission 43:45 Coach's Quote - Embrace Your Role 48:08 Taking the Weight Room to Another Level 52:06 College Daily Routine 53:52 College Conditioning 56:30 Importance of Diet 58:14 College Game Experience 1:00:01 Toughest Player Parker Played Against 1:01:38 Chad Chadrickson 1:02:56 The Dunk 1:05:23 UCLA Game Winner 1:11:04 Toughest Atmosphere to Play 1:12:34 What Parker Would Change About College 1:15:05 Professional Basketball: Overseas 1:22:29 European Basketball Money 1:24:55 G League: Austin Spurs 1:27:11 Game Day Traditions 1:29:54 Picking Number 5 1:31:48 Most Influential Basketball Movie 1:32:30 Favorite Shoe 1:32:55 85 Point Game 1:36:09 Parker on Winning 1:40:00 Blind Ranking/Guessing Basketballs 1:48:18 Life Outside Basketball 1:49:58 Favorite Pokemon 1:51:15 Staying Grounded 1:52:58 Parker's Future Hopes 1:54:00 Where to Play in the Offseason 1:56:13 Was It Worth It? #basketball #podcast #basketballpodcast #makingtheteam #parkervandyke

    1h 60m

  5. 31/10/2025

    Inside the Mind of a High School Coach – Gus Sopeña Gets Real

    In this heartfelt interview, Making the Team host Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Gus Sopeña, head coach of the Summit Academy boys basketball team, for an honest conversation about the emotional and mental challenges of coaching — and the deep rewards that come from helping young athletes reach their full potential. Coach Sopeña opens up about: The pressure and expectations coaches quietly carry What it means to truly care about your players How high school basketball shapes character beyond the court The moments that make it all worth it — even when no one’s watching Why building a strong team culture is more important than just winning games 📌 Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or sports fan, this conversation is a reminder that coaching is about people first — and that some of the most meaningful victories happen off the scoreboard. 📌 Subscribe to Making the Team for more interviews with top athletes and coaches. Be sure to check follow Summit Academy's journey on their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/summitacademybasketball/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team ⏰ TIME CODES ⏰ 0:00 Intro Teaser 0:30 Getting into Coaching 8:52 Coaching Interview Process 22:23 From Assistant to Head Coach 23:55 The Bountiful Experience 33:00 The Life of a Coach 39:15 Mental Struggles of Coaches 40:45 Summit Academy Opportunity 47:00 Building a Winning Team 52:58 Balancing Coaching and Caring 1:02:27 Practice Plans 1:06:05 Conditioning Philosophy 1:11:05 Communication Between Players and Parents #gussopena #basketballcoach #summitacademy #highschoolbasketball

    1h 19m

  6. 13/10/2025

    More Than Basketball – Coach Amico’s Mission at Pine View High

    In this inspiring interview, Erik Soderborg sits down with Coach Patrick Amico, the head coach of the Pine View High School Boys Basketball Team. Known for his leadership both on and off the court, Coach Amico shares how he's working to give his players more than just a basketball season — he’s giving them a high school experience they’ll never forget. 🏀 Topics covered include: • How Coach Amico builds strong relationships with his players • His coaching philosophy and why character matters as much as wins • What it takes to lead a high school basketball program in today’s world • Why giving kids a great high school experience is his #1 goal • Behind-the-scenes stories from the Pine View basketball program Follow the Pine View Program here: https://www.instagram.com/pineviewpantherbasketball/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:30 Successes of Last Season 4:00 What Coach is Learning 5:17 UVU Story 7:29 What Players Impress You 8:36 What Players Should Do Outside Practice 10:14 For Parents11:13 Coaching Staff 13:21 Accountability vs Relationships 14:47 Player Roles 15:55 Tryouts 17:06 Conditioning 17:44 Coaching Style 19:31 St. George Basketball Culture 21:19 Creativity vs Structure 22:48 Coaching in the Social Media Era 24:26 Mental Support for Players 25:53 Pre-High School Youth Programs 27:38 Referee Relationships 29:35 Assistant to Head Coach Shift 31:56 Life Outside Basketball 34:19 Balancing Everyone's Opinions 35:50 Fundraising 37:34 Helping Players Get To The Next Level 41:14 Go Where You Will Play 42:22 Coach's Legacy 43:39 Message For Pine View Parents 45:14 Hardest Part of Coaching 46:33 Best Part of Coaching 47:33 Advice to Seniors #basketball #patrickamico #pineviewbasketball #pineviewhighschool #highschoolbasketball

    50 min

  7. 05/10/2025

    What it Takes to Play College Basketball Jon Judkins - Winningest College Coach in Utah History

    Coach Jon Judkins share what he and his staff at Utah Tech look for when recruiting high school players to make their D1 Basketball team. Coach Judkins is headed into his 21st season as the head coach of the Utah Tech Trailblazers Mens Basketball Team and is a Six-time Pacific West Conference Coach of the Year winner. Coach Judkins (622 career wins and counting) became the first men’s coach in Utah collegiate basketball history to reach the 500-win mark back on January 28, 2017. He then became the all-time winningest college coach in Utah history with career win No. 583 in 2021. Prior to his arrival at Utah Tech, Jon was the head coach at Snow College for 13 seasons. In 2014, Judkins was inducted into the Snow College Athletic Hall of Fame. Judkins played for one season at Dixie State (junior college) in the 1983-84 season before transferring to Utah State, where he became the first Aggie to post a triple-double. During the 1987-88 season, he helped lead the Aggies to the PCAA title and an NCAA Tournament bid. 🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history. Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Biggest Accomplishment 2:36 Division 1 Adjustments 4:07 Recruitment Process 5:04 How to Get Seen 7:45 Role of High School Coach in Recruiting 9:23 Role of Parents 11:41 The 4 P's 13:51 Jumps from HS to JUCO to D1 14:36 Coaching Philosophy 16:30 Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal 19:44 Conditioning for Players 25:04 Weightlifting 26:10 Multi-Sport Athletes 29:07 Jon's Playing Experience 31:02 Early Coaching Career 37:50 Working on Skill vs Games 38:57 Stomping Foot 40:40 Advice to High School Seniors 46:01 What Does it Take to Win #basketball #judkins #jonjudkins #utahtech #utahtechbasketball

    51 min

  8. 05/10/2025

    Basketball Coaching Masterclass - Chris Jones

    Chris Jones has been coaching for decades, with most of his time at the college level with the University of Utah, Utah State, and Westminster. He also coached professionally in England and now coaches the Highland Rams high school team in Salt Lake City. Highland made it to the state championship this last season and Coach Jones shares his experience and knowledge about the game of basketball, coaching, and the lessons that come from this beautiful game. Coach Jones shares the hard truths and proud victories from a decades-long career that’s impacted generations of athletes. 🎙 Whether you’re a coach, player, or just love the game — this conversation is full of wisdom, stories, and Utah basketball history. Be sure to check follow the Highland Rams Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/highlandramsbasketball/ Please consider following us on social: https://www.youtube.com/@MakingTheTeamPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/making_the_team/ https://www.tiktok.com/@making.the.team Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:52 Passion to Teach 2:34 Accountability vs Relationships 6:48 Playing the "Right Way" 10:20 Coaching College vs High School 15:51 College Recruiting Process 17:00 Getting on Recruiters' Radar 20:22 Realities of Playing in College 24:15 Highlights of Last Season 30:15 Winning Mentality 33:43 Tell The Truth 40:50 What is Coach Learning Now 46:35 Moving to Coach High School 51:29 Excitement for This Year 54:45 Close Games or Blow Outs 56:43 Coaching Influences 59:27 Rick Majerus Story 1:05:56 Rylan Jones Story 1:20:57 How to Play More 1:22:51 Time Machine Advice 1:23:49 Highland Program Legacy 1:27:23 Thanks all around #basketball #chrisjones

    1h 30m
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About

Conversations for high school basketball players and parents around the realities of what it takes to make a varsity basketball team. We interview coaches, players, and referees to give you an inside look behind the curtains of high school basketball.

Information

  • Creator
    Erik Soderborg
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Erik Soderborg
  • Show Website
    Making the Team